I invite you to be my stylist … on the theme of ‘Tudor Magnificence’

Dear internet friends,

Now obviously we discuss history and research and stuff like that on this blog. But we also like clothes and shoes, don’t we? And yes, these things matter. Certainly as an art historian I have no problem in agreeing that they can be propaganda of the highest order. At the moment, I need some new ones, for a new programme, and as you’ve helped me before, I hope you’ll help me again!

Here’s your fashion assignment – should you choose to accept it. Obviously the stakes here are really high. Either I won’t take your advice, or possibly I will! For this new project, I need two dresses and one coat, autumn/wintery. As always, they have to be available on the high street, and reasonably priced.

The theme is ‘Tudor Magnificence’.

Here is your mood board to get you into the spirit … and do let your suggestions flow in the comments!

Thanks very much in advance, Lucy

62 thoughts on “I invite you to be my stylist … on the theme of ‘Tudor Magnificence’”

Lucy, try Joe Browns (http://www.joebrowns.co.uk/pp+womens-coats-and-jackets+JA-L) who have the most marvellous decorative coats, lots of period inspired detailing. Very nice tailoring and good quality too. I’ve a lovely red and brown corduroy coat that has seen me through a couple of very cold winters!

Very much love your programmes, by the way. I’m fascinated by social history and you present it so well. Thank you!

The 1st 2 dresses are great esp the red one,the metallic one is too patterned!The coat is good( I love yr coats!) the only thing is the collar.I know it’s faux fur but you ( more than me) will know the reaction of some people!I love yr programmes,they are one of the few reasons why I keep my TV set!

I agree…you MUST have that D&G dress. It is stunning and gorgeous. Very atmospheric for being filmed in a candlelit castle. Nothing else could be that perfect! Maybe someone at the BBC has a contact with D&G? Anyone you met at fashion week? Fashion houses do lend dresses…a large mention in the credits?? I love your style and your programs Lucy. Now get that dress!!!!

Hi Lucy, the red is lovely but you end up walking around holding it by the hem! I personally like the black and silver, but might it be too much on TV?
I could suggest very modest M&S and one of their skater dresses?

Tudor magnificence is by definition custom and excessive. Forget the high street. Have a local dressmaker make you a dress. Tudor is also rich primary colors. With your luscious coloring pick a riot of layers using royal blue, emerald green and royal purple—all with gold trim. You can carry it.

I was at Sudeley Castle two weeks ago and I have never seen a more magnificent display of Tudor costumes. Sudeley was the home of Katherine Parr after Henry’s death – she married Thomas Seymour – and the costume display was mostly centred on the wives of Henry VIII. There is a revolting manikin of the aged Henry in full regalia.

The costumes looked new and I couldn’t help but think that a Hollywood movie studio must have donated them. Well worth a visit. Sudeley is in the Cotswolds.